The first post

I’ve had my coffee. The house is empty and quiet. I’m ready to embark on my first blog post. How did I get here?

My blog journey began in the unlikeliest of places.

I loafed around at home for a year during the pandemic, day after excruciatingly long day. My three young children unwittingly held me captive. It wasn’t practical to take them places and expect them to keep their masks on, not licking everything in sight.

I wasn’t alone, but lonely nonetheless.

My days were spent scrolling through social media. It was my window to the world, and to conversation with other adults. I joined a multitude of Facebook groups to recapture some essence of myself that I had lost after being a stay at home parent for six years. One group, * Stares In Mortician *, rekindled the passion I had for my former career as a funeral director and embalmer.

I lurked for a while, passively enjoying the memes and questions. Eventually, I submitted a short essay explaining the cremation process in gruesome detail. The group, comprised of both funeral professionals and curious onlookers, was fascinated. They asked for more. I delivered, this time describing the entire embalming process. I broke the essays up into a number of “lessons,” covering everything from dressing and casketing to trauma reconstruction

As time went by, the group begged me for more. I discovered that I really enjoyed reminiscing and producing these educational resources. A number of members suggested that I collect the lessons into a book. Why not? I thought. I began to investigate the writing and self publishing process, and a part of me suddenly came alive. I had purpose once again.

Through my research, I determined that a book is only part of the equation. Ultimately, some kind of blog is necessary to supplement the book and connect with you, Reader. It’s a bit open ended at the moment, but I have visions of what this blog could become. I’d love to share my thoughts and experiences, particularly about death, funerals, and the way they intertwine with life and culture.

I hope to give more than I take, and leave you with valuable insight into a subject many people avoid. I believe that talking about it and educating ourselves is essential, if for no other reason than to reduce our fear and discomfort.

Stick around, and let’s explore death and funerals. It’ll be fun, I promise! If you have specific questions, send me an email at hello@hisandhearsepress.com . I’m looking forward to it!